{{Otheruses|''This is the '''Emergency Preparedness Award''' which can be earned at all levels in Scouting.<br>Boy Scouts can also earn the [[Emergency Preparedness]] merit badge.<br>Webelos Scouts can also earn the [[Readyman]] activity badge.''}}{{Checklist|'''''An award application is available: [http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pubs/pdf/19-602.pdf Emergency Preparedness Award]'''''}}

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{{Otheruses|''This article is about the '''Award''' for all Scouts and Scouters<br>For the merit badge, see [[Emergency Preparedness]]''}}

Revision as of 00:55, January 19, 2013

This is the Emergency Preparedness Award which can be earned at all levels in Scouting.Boy Scouts can also earn the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.Webelos Scouts can also earn the Readyman activity badge.

Emergency preparedness means being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property and to help a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs. To encourage Scouts of all ages to be prepared for emergency situations, the BSA has approved an Emergency Preparedness Award program for members of all ages.

When a member has fulfilled the requirements, a completed application is submitted to the council. Upon approval, the Emergency Preparedness Award, No. 19-304 is awarded. The pin may be worn on civilian clothing or on the uniform, centered on the left pocket flap. The award may be earned more than once; for instance, as a young person advances through the ranks and is capable of more complex preparedness activities, but only one pin may be worn.

It is a challenge to be prepared for emergencies in our world of man-made and natural phenomena. The Emergency Preparedness BSA program is planned to inspire the desire and foster the skills to meet this challenge in our youth and adult members so that they can participate effectively in this crucial service to their families, communities, and nation.

The emergencies of today's world demand more than ever that our young people and adults be trained as individuals and as units to meet emergency situations. The importance of this training is not new to the Boy Scouts of America, as Scouting has always taught youth to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Since Scouting began in the United States, Scouts have responded to the needs of their communities and nation in time of crisis.

When an emergency occurs, it affects every youth and adult member of BSA in the immediate area, creating the responsibility to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving the neighborhood and community. Because of these multiple levels of responsibility, the Emergency Preparedness BSA plan includes training for individual, family, and unit preparedness. Special training in all three areas is a prerequisite for BSA members conducting any type of emergency service in their communities.

Individual Preparedness

The primary emphasis of this initial step in the program is to train members to be mentally and emotionally prepared to act promptly and to develop in them the ability to take care of themselves. Teaching young people to know and be able to use practical survival skills when needed is an important part of individual preparedness.

Family Preparedness

Since family groups will be involved in most emergency situations, this part of the plan includes basic instructions to help every Scouting family prepare for emergencies. Families will work together to learn basic emergency skills and how to react when faced with fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, explosions, warning signals, fallout protection, terrorism attacks, and other emergency situations.

Community Preparedness

The program fosters the desire to help others and teaches members how to serve their communities in age-appropriate ways. By taking the age-appropriate First Aid for Children course (Tiger Cubs) and Basic Aid Training (Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts), these boys help ease the burden on the family and community resources. Through all Scouting ranks and for adult members, the responsibilities and skills for community service increase with the members' maturity.

All emergency activities carried out by Scouting units must be appropriate for the ages and abilities of the young people involved. Units should participate only under the supervision of their own leaders, and plans for unit help must be coordinated with community agencies responsible for disaster preparedness.

District-, Council-, and Unit-Level Achievement

District- and Council-Level Achievement

Bronze Level

If completed three of the above and if 30 percent of your traditional units have achieved the award.

Silver Level

If completed three of the above and if 40 percent of your traditional units have achieved the award.

Gold Level

If completed three of the above and if 50 percent of your traditional units have achieved the award.

Unit-Level Achievement

Achieve the mandatory requirements below, and do one of the following:

The unit conducts a safety promotion with the community about emergency preparedness and/or readiness.

Identify a unit’s risk management or health and safety oﬃcer. Attach a copy of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position to the application.

Bronze Level

If 30 percent of your youth and adult members have achieved the award.

Silver Level

If 40 percent of your youth and adult members have achieved the award.

Gold Level

If 50 percent of your youth and adult members have achieved the award.

Mandatory Unit Requirements

The unit members conduct a check or create a unit and personal first-aid kit.

The unit members conduct a safety check of their meeting place using the checklist in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

The Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, or Advisor and the assistant Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Coaches, or Advisors, and the unit committee chair have in their possession and have read the most current Guide to Safe Scouting.

Greater than 40 percent of registered members, including at least one adult, are trained in ﬁrst aid and CPR/AED by a recognized agency such as the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, the American Red Cross, or the American Heart Association.

Mandatory for Venturing crews only: Greater than 40 percent of registered crew members are trained in CPR/AED by a nationally recognized agency such as the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, the American Red Cross, or the American Heart Association.